2nd Philippine LEAF Awards: Finalists and Winners

The Philippine LEAF Awards, a prestigious award-giving organization for the arts and culture sector, has recently announced its finalists for the competitive categories and awardees for the non-competitive categories in Theater, Music, Dance, and Fashion. It was followed by the unveiling of the Sonny O. Valencia LEAF Presidential Emeritus Awardees for “Hero of the Pandemic,” the Golden LEAF Presidential Awardees, and the Beacons of Culture and Arts. The series of announcements marks a significant milestone in celebrating the exceptional talents and diverse cultural heritage of the Philippines.

CJ Andaluz, current president of the Philippine LEAF Awards and Creative Director of Pixel Art Media, this year’s presenter, expressed his enthusiasm and pride in the selection. “These finalists and awardees are not just artists and creatives; they are the torchbearers of our rich cultural identity, and symbols of true integrity, creativity, and excellence in the arts,” Andaluz said. “Their work reflects the vibrancy, passion, and unwavering dedication of the Philippines’ creative industries. Through their art, they tell stories that resonate with our identity as a nation, showcasing to the world the unique spirit and talent inherent in our people.”

The LEAF Awards ceremony, scheduled on February 8, 2024, promises to be a grand celebration of Philippine arts and culture at the historic Metropolitan Theater. The event will commence with a glamorous red carpet pre-show starting at 1 PM. In keeping with the theme of cultural pride and heritage, attendees are encouraged to dress in their best Filipiniana or indigenous attire, showcasing the finest of Filipino fashion.

The Philippine LEAF Awards, now in its 2nd year, continues to be a beacon of inspiration and excellence in the Philippine arts scene. The event recognizes outstanding achievements in various artistic disciplines and fosters a deeper appreciation and support for the arts and culture sector in the Philippines.

The Philippine LEAF Awards is a prestigious award-giving body that recognizes excellence in Theater, Festivals, Dance, Music, and Fashion. It aims to celebrate and promote the rich cultural heritage and artistic talent of the Philippines, both nationally and internationally.

This year, the Philippine LEAF Awards Tertulia at Parangal 2024 is made possible through the support of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, The Metropolitan Theater, The Manila Times, Bela Star Corporation (Pulialan, Bulacan), A Teacher Partylist, Creative Ventures Travel and Tours, Kristine Lim | Artist on a Mission, UNESCO-International Theatre Institute, the Office of House Speaker Martin G. Romualdez, Museo de Pacis Gallery, Giron Botanic Culture and Arts Center, TF Printing Solutions, TF Diamonds & Jewelries, BRU Digital TV, Diagnostics Plus Inc., Isla De Oro Hotel, GPL Oil International, askME: The Property Specialist Group, and Happy Rich TV.

Full List of Finalists and Awardees

Theater Category Finalists

Outstanding Musical Production (Non-Filipino)
Carousel (Repertory Philippines)
Tick, Tick… Boom! (9 Works Theatrical)

Outstanding Musical Production (Original Filipino)
Bayan Bayanan: Letters From Home (Cultural Center of the Philippines/Erehwon Center for the Arts)
Ibarra, The Musical (Tanghalang Una Obra)
Walang Aray (PETA)
Zsazsa Zaturnnah The Musical… ‘Yun Lang! (Ateneo Blue Repertory)

Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Musical
Alexa Ilacad (Walang Aray / PETA)
Carla Guevara-Laforteza (Snow White and the Prince / Repertory Philippines)
Kim Molina (Zsazsa Zaturnnah The Musical… ‘Yun Lang / Ateneo Blue Repertory)
Myramae Meneses (Ibarra, The Musical / Tanghalang Una Obra)
Shaira Opsimar (Walang Aray / PETA)

Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Musical
Gian Magdangal (Carousel / Repertory Philippines)
Gio Gahol (Walang Aray / PETA)
Jef Flores (Tick, Tick… Boom! / 9 Works Theatrical)
Khalil Ramos (Tick, Tick… Boom! / 9 Works Theatrical)
Piolo Pascual (Ibarra, The Musical / Tanghalang Una Obra)

Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role (Musical)
Kakki Teodoro (Zsazsa Zaturnnah The Musical… ‘Yun Lang! / Ateneo Blue Repertory)
Kayla Rivera (Tick, Tick… Boom! / 9 Works Theatrical)
Kiki Baento (Walang Aray / PETA)
Mikkie Bradshaw (Carousel / Repertory Philippines)
Neomi Gonzales (Walang Aray / PETA)

Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role (Musical)
Carlon Matobato (Walang Aray / PETA)
Elian Dominguez (Zsazsa Zaturnnah The Musical… ‘Yun Lang! / Ateneo Blue Repertory)
Lorenz Martinez (Carousel / Repertory Philippines)
Vien King (Tick, Tick… Boom! / 9 Works Theatrical)

Outstanding Ensemble Cast for a Musical
Bayan Bayanan: Letters From Home (CCP/ Erehwon Center for the Arts)
Carousel (Repertory Philippines)
Ibarra, The Musical (Tanghalang Una Obra)
Tick, Tick… Boom! (9 Works Theatrical)
Walang Aray (PETA)

Outstanding Musical Director
Ejay Yatco (Carousel)
Joed Balsamo (Ibarra, The Musical)
Vincent De Jesus (Zsazsa Zaturnnah The Musical, ‘Yun Lang!)
Vince Lim (Walang Aray)

Outstanding Director for a Musical Production
Frannie Zamora (Ibarra, The Musical)
Ian Segarra (Walang Aray)
Missy Maramara (Zsazsa Zaturnnah The Musical… ‘Yun Lang!)
Robbie Guevara (Tick, Tick… Boom!)
Toff De Venecia (Carousel)

Outstanding Play
Anak Datu (Tanghalang Pilipino)
Ardor (Tanghalang Ateneo)
Kung Paano Nanalo sa Karera si Rosang Taba (Dulaang UP)
Red (The Necessary Theatre)
The Reconciliation Dinner (Dulaang UP)

Outstanding One-Act Play
Nawawalang Gabi, Ninakaw na Araw (UP Dulaang Laboratoryo)
‘Nay May Dala Akong Pancit (Virgin Labfest / CCP)
Fermata (Virgin Labfest / CCP)

Outstanding Performance by an Actress
Frances Makil-Ignacio (The Reconciliation Dinner)
Glecy Cruz-Atienza (Indigo Child)
Kiki Baento (Kung Paano Nanalo sa Karera si Rosang Taba)
Stella Cañete-Mendoza (The Reconciliation Dinner)

Outstanding Performance by an Actor
Bart Guingona (Red)
Janno Castillo (Nawawalang Gabi, Ninakaw na Araw)
JC Santos (Red)
Johnny Maglinao (Nawawalang Gabi, Ninakaw na Araw)
Marco Viaña (Ang Pag-uusig)
Renz Silverio (‘Nay May Dala Akong Pancit)

Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role
Antonette Go (Ang Pag-uusig)
Lhorvie Nuevo (Ang Pag-uusig)
Teia Contreras (Ardor)
Tex Ordoñez-De Leon (Anak Datu)

Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role
Hash Bin Abdulmalic (Anak Datu)
Nanding Josef (Anak Datu)
Phi Palmos (The Reconciliation Dinner)
Randy Villarama (The Reconciliation Dinner)

Outstanding Ensemble Cast
Anak Datu (Tanghalang Pilipino)
Ang Pag-uusig (Tanghalang Pilipino)
Ardor (Tanghalang Ateneo)
Kung Paano Nanalo sa Karera si Rosang Taba (Dulaang UP)
Nekropolis (Tanghalang Pilipino)
The Reconciliation Dinner (Dulaang UP)

Outstanding Director
Banaue Miclat (Nawawalang Gabi, Ninakaw na Araw)
Chris Millado (Anak Datu)
Dexter Santos (The Reconciliation Dinner)
Guelan Varela-Luarca (Ardor)
Jose Estrella, Issa Manalo-Lopez, Mark Dalacat (Kung Paano Nanalo sa Karera si Rosang Taba)

Outstanding Production for Children
Snow White and the Prince (Repertory Philippines)

Outstanding Cultural/Theater Group
Sining Kambayoka

Non-competitive Awards

Gintong Dahon (Iconic Award)
Dr. Ricardo G. Abad

Nagpa-Uso (Trendsetter Award)
Virgin Labfest

Music Category Finalists

Outstanding Vocal Ensemble
Ryan Cayabyab Singers
Malabon Concert Singers
Harana (Philippine Opera Company)
Tribu (Ephesus Teatron Group Inc.)

Outstanding Solo Performance in a Concert
Nicole Laurel Asensio (Summertime Performance with the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra)
Bayang Barrios (Katutubong Diva)
Sarah Geronimo (The 20th Anniversary Concert)
Vice Ganda (Your Memejesty Queen VG Concert)
Ice Seguerra (Becoming Ice)

Outstanding Group Performance in a Concert
The Divine Divas (The Ultimate Drag Experience)
Maynila: Himig ng Ating Lahi (Various Artists)
Tribu (Klasical: Celebrating 125 Years of Philippine Independence)
The Leading Ladies (Laforteza, Martinez, Laurel)
Harana: A Cultural Journey (Philippine Opera Company)

Outstanding Concert Director
Mr. Floy Quintos

Non-competitive Awards

Gintong Dahon (Iconic Award)
Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (Instrumentalist Group)
Eraserheads (OPM Group)
Regine Velasquez-Alcasid (Pop Category)
Irma Potenciano (Classical Category
Hitik (Trendsetter Award)
Baler National High School Rondalla (Instrumentalist Group)
Ben&Ben (OPM Group)
Moira Dela Torre (Pop Category)
Rachelle Gerodias (Classical Category)
Bagong Sibol (Emerging Festival Award)
Abe Acala (Instrumentalist)
SB19 (P-pop Group)
Nicole Laurel Asensio (Pop Category)
Lara Maigue (Classical Category)

Festivals Category Finalists

Outstanding Festival (Luzon)
Anilag Festival (Province of Laguna)
Banuar a Mannalon (Municipality of Llanera, Nueva Ecija)
Fiesta Republica (City of Malolos, Bulacan)
Duman Festival (Municipality of Sta. Rita, Pampanga)
Kannawidan Festival (Province of Ilocos Sur)
Kanlahi Festival (Province of Tarlac)
Paru-Paro Festival (City of Dasmariñas, Cavite)
Pahiyas Festival (Municipality of Lucban, Quezon)
Subaraw Biodiversity Festival (City of Puerto Princesa, Palawan)
Singkaban Festival (Province of Bulacan)

Outstanding Festival (Visayas)
Ati-Atihan Festival (Municipality of Kalibo, Aklan)
Bailes De Luces (Municipality of La Castellana, Negros Occidental)
Dinagyang Festival (City of Iloilo)
Sinulog Festival (Province of Cebu)

Outstanding Festival (Mindanao)
Cantago Festival (Municipality of Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental)
Higalaay Festival (City of Cagayan De Oro, Mindanao)
Mais Festival (Municipality of Claveria, Misamis Oriental)
P’gsalabuk Festival (City of Dipolog, Zamboanga Del Norte)

Non-competitive Awards

Gintong Dahon (Iconic Award)
Kadayawan Festival (City of Davao)
Hitik (Trendsetter Award)
Higantes Festival (Municipality of Angono, Rizal)
Bagong Sibol (Emerging Festival Award)
Niyogyugan Festival (Province of Quezon)

Special Citation
Kanlahi Festival (Province of Tarlac)
Cantago Festival (Municipality of Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental)

Dance Category Finalists

Outstanding Dance Company (Classical Ballet)
Ballet Manila
Ballet Philippines
Philippine Ballet Theater
Quezon City Ballet

Outstanding Dance Company (Contemporary Dance)
Alice Reyes Dance Philippines
Daloy Dance Company
Airdance

Outstanding Choreography from a Full-Length Production
Gerardo Francisco’s Ibong Adarna (Ballet Manila)

Outstanding Dance Production for Artistic Excellence
Diversiferia (Halili-Cruz School of Dance)

Non-competitive Awards

Gintong Dahon (Iconic Award)
·Steve Villaruz

Hitik (Trendsetter Award)
·Douglas Nierras

Bagong Sibol (Emerging Artist Award)
·Anthony Cruz

Fashion Category Winners (Non-Competitive)

Gintong Dahon (Iconic Award)
·Steve De Leon (Fashion Designer)
·Melanie Marquez (Fashion Icon)

Hitik (Trendsetter Award)
·Ann Ong (Jewelry Designer)
·Heart Evangelista (Fashion Icon)

Bagong Sibol (Emerging Award)
·Pamela Gotangco Hupp (Fashion Designer)
·Michelle Dee (Fashion Icon)

Special Awards

Sonny O. Valencia, LEAF Presidential Emeritus Awards for “Hero of the Pandemic”
Angelo Aurelio (Theater)
Alexis Allen Cruz (Theater)
Anthony Cruz (Theater)
Juan Isaac Cuyo (Theater)
Dr. Rommel V. Espejo (Festival)
Kasing Sining Ensemble (Theater)
Hassanain Abdulmalic Magarang (Theater)
Dr. Willie Ong (Theater)
Mayor Ronnie Roy Pascual (Festival)
Paul Jake Paule (Theater)
Norman Peñaflorida (Fashion)
Basilides Pilapil Jr. (Dance)
Raul Prima (Dance)
Rommel Ramilo (Theater)
Rommel Padillo Serrano (Fashion)
Moria Claire Trinidad Tan (Music)

Golden LEAF Presidential Awardees
Joey Ayala (Music)
Rafael Benitez/ Erehwon Center for the Arts (Cultural Institution)
Club Mwah (Entertainment)
Dr. Felipe De Leon Jr. (Cultural Education)
Nap Jamir II (Artist Educator for Film)
Dr. Anton Juan (Theater)
Tanya Lopez (Cultural Preservation and Arts Management)
Kublai Millan (Arts)
Manila Clock Tower Museum (Institutional)
Ed Murillo (Theater)
Vim Nadera (Performance Art)
Marichu Tellano (Cultural Leadership)

Beacon of Culture and the Arts
Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre (Councilor, 2nd District, City of Davao & Former NCCA Executive Director)
National Artist Ryan Cayabyab (National Artist for Music)
Cong. Christopher “Toff” De Venecia (District Representative, Pangasinan, 4th District)
Ms. Catriona Gray (NCCA Arts Ambassador & Miss Universe 2018)
Sir Arsenio “Nick” Lizaso (Former NCCA Chairman and CCP President)
Hon. Susan Yap (Governor, Province of Tarlac)

For more information about the Philippine LEAF Awards and the upcoming ceremony, please visit philippineleafawards.com or its official Facebook page: Philippine LEAF Awards.